Say goodbye to bloating and hello to morning relief!
About 15% of U.S. adults struggle with chronic constipation.Far more people experience it occasionally.
It promotes strong bones, a healthy heart, balanced blood sugars, mobility and flexibility.
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It also promotes regular bowel movements!
In other words, Walking can improve your gut motility, saysSupriya Rao, M.D., a board-certified gastroenterologist.
Yet, you may not want to do a tough workout at night.
We get itsometimes that hinders your sleep, which isnt great for overall health either.
So, as an alternative, Rao recommends an evening walk after dinner.
Its a gentle form of movement that can help stimulate your intestinal muscles withoutspiking cortisoland preventing sleep.
Short walks after eating in the evenings can help relieve common gastrointestinal complaints like bloating and flatulence.
Helps Relieve Stress
Its no secret that most adults are super stressed.
Fortunately, physical activitycan relieve stress.
Its a chance to unwind from the days stressors.
For an added bonus, try walking with friends or family.
A 2024 study inCureusfound that young Japanese adults who exercised regularly with others had lower rates of constipation.
Plus, movement is more fun with friends.
So youre more likely to exercise regularly if you invite others along.
For one, try going for a post-dinner walk.
The movement can stimulate your intestinal muscles and reduce stress to support regular bowel movements.
Consuming fiber and fluids is also essential.
So, confirm to enjoy a high-fiber dinner with a glass of water.
Finally, incorporate relaxing activities like meditation or breathwork to lower stress and promote quality sleep.
Diaz S, Bittar K, Hashmi MF, Mendez MD.Constipation.
StatPearls Publishing; 2023.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Benefits of Physical Activity.
Anxiety & Depression Association of America.Physical Activity Reduces Stress.
2024;16(11):e74455.
doi:10.7759/cureus.74455
MedlinePlus.Urinating more at night.
